How Avoid Google Voice verification code Scam On Facebook Marketplace

Identity Theft Resource Centre (ITRC) highlights a concern over rising cases of Google Voice Scam On Facebook Marketplace. The scamming cases rise between August and November 2021. They reported the percentage of total victim cases rising from 49% to a staggering 70% in just a couple of months.

What people say about scam?How Google Voice Scam works?How to Prevent Google Voice Scam On Facebook Marketplace My final words

Rising fraudulent activities has captured the attention of law enforcement agencies like FBI they issue a warning earlier this year.

The FBI issued a special alert because they want to highlight. How serious the issue is and remind everyone to remain extra careful, when using the internet. These scams are becoming more common, so it’s really important for all of us to know about the possible dangers and to follow safety tips to keep ourselves safe from falling for these scams.

What people say about scam?

In Sara told me the situation she face, a stranger asked for a 6 digit code she received after posting a mirror for sale on a facebook marketplace. She shared this code with him but later realized it was an attempt to exploit her information.

Unfortunately, she initially shared the code, not realizing it was a scam. When they claimed it didn’t work and asked for another code, you became aware of the scam and report to facebook .

Scammer may have tried to set up a Google Voice account using your phone number as the forwarding number, but if you aren’t logged in, this is unlikely to work.

While Google’s weekend customer service may be unavailable, it’s a good practice to stay cautious and safeguard your personal information.

Google voice verification scam

How Google Voice Scam works?

As we discuss above, if you’ve publicly shared your personal mobile number, email address on Facebook marketplace unknowingly, scammers can exploit it.

in the case of Google Voice Scam On Facebook Marketplace scammers might contact you, claiming they need a six-digit verification code to prove your authenticity and legitimacy.

They spin a tale about using a specialized phone service that relies on this code, which you’ll receive from Google via an automated call or text message.

this indicate that these scammers are in the process of setting up a Google Voice account for fraud activity.

They instruct google voice to call your personal number, and when you answer that automated call, call speaks the code to you.

do not share code with anyone. If you mistakenly ignore this warning and give the code to the scammers, they gain control of a google voice number as the forwarding number for their account.

It’s essential to be cautious and never share verification codes with strangers to protect your personal information and online security.

It is critical to be aware of the fraudster’s goals in such a case. Their objective is to collect as many Google voice phone numbers as possible, and they will go to any extent to do it. Once they acquire these numbers, they may utilize them for a variety of unethical objectives, such as romance fraud, rental fraud, or even financial schemes.

Scammers avoid having calls forwarded to your phone number because they do not want to be traceable. Once they’ve accomplished their goal, they normally delete your phone number from their account.

So, be cautious while talking with strangers on internet sites, like Craigslist. Under no circumstances should you share your verification code with anybody.

Legitimate businesses will never ask you for this information. This is an important reminder to keep your verification code secure.

Remember When you signing up for Google Voice or adding a phone number to your account, Google will send you a text message containing a verification code.

You’ll can use this code to activate Google Voice services on your phone. Always keep this code to yourself to protect your online security.

How to Prevent Google Voice Scam On Facebook Marketplace

To protect yourself from Google Voice code scammers and ensure your online security, follow these important steps:

Never Share Google Voice Codes: Keep your Google Voice verification code confidential at all times. There is no legitimate reason to share it with anyone. you can contact google voice community for Help

Protect Your Phone Number: Avoid posting your phone number online or in public places whenever possible. Hackers can use your phone number as a starting point for significant damage.

Exercise Caution When Selling Online: Be extra cautious when selling items online. If any interaction appears suspicious, trust your instincts and don’t rush into the sale. Your security is more important than the transaction.

Verify Buyers on Online Marketplaces: Choose online platforms that allow you to verify the credibility of buyers. Stick to dealing with verified and trustworthy individuals.

Limit Personal Information: Refuse to provide additional personal information to prospective buyers, especially if it’s to prove you’re not a “bot” or a “scammer.” These requests often signal a scam.

Stay on the Platform: Complete your transactions within the online platform for safety. Avoid moving off the platform, as this could involve sharing more personal information, such as your email address.

Beware of Unusual Payment Methods: Scammers often use nontraditional payment methods like gift cards, crypto currency, or postal money orders. Exercise caution and stick to secure payment options. Only use payment apps like Cash App, Zelle, or Venmo if you personally know the recipient or have met them offline.

Prefer In-Person Meetings: When meeting buyers, opt for in-person meetings in safe and comfortable locations.

Monitor Online Accounts: Regularly monitor your online accounts and credit for any suspicious activity. Consider using a credit monitoring app to alert you about unauthorized transactions or new accounts opened in your name.

Enhance Online Account Security: try to Strengthen your online account security by improving your passwords, setting tighter security preferences, enabling two factor authentication (2FA), and try to use a password manager to safeguard all your accounts.

Consider Identity Theft Protection: An all-in-one identity theft protection service like Aura can provide an extra layer of security. It combines identity theft protection, credit monitoring, antivirus software, and a military grade virtual private network (VPN) to defend against scammers and hackers.

My final words

your cyber security at risk you can lose your identity, and finances are at risk when someone else gains access to your personal information and phone number. While some scammers may move on, it’s not a risk you want to take.

Never share 2FA codes and keep your personal information as private as possible online. Consider additional security measures like identity theft protection services to avoid Google Voice Scam On Facebook Marketplace. Your online safety is paramount.”